Florida: Texting While Driving

Florida/City Ordinance Laws
There is no national ban on texting or using a cell phone while driving, but some states have passed laws to ban texting and the use or cell phones, or require the use of hands-free technology while using cell phones while driving. Currently, no state bans all cell phone use for all drivers.

Florida has created statute 316.305, â€śFlorida Ban on Texting While Driving Law,â€ť to improve roadway safety, prevent crashes, reduce injuries, and authorize law enforcement officers to stop motor vehicles and issue citations as a secondary offense to persons who are texting while driving. The statute states that a person may not operate a vehicle (any vehicle that is moving), while using a handheld communication device to type or enter any characters, send, or read texts, emails, or instant messages. Any person who does so commits a noncriminal traffic infraction which is punishable as a nonmoving violation.